Filmmaker RJ Moller: Connecting People and Stories

Filmmaker RJ Moller has a knack for understanding people and their dynamics.

He reminisces about a unique pairing he facilitated between Dennis Prager, a media figure, and comedian Adam Carolla. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, the duo quickly bonded, touring together across the nation as an unexpected yet charming pair. Their collaboration culminated in the 2019 documentary, “No Place Is Safe,” which Moeller produced.

Most documentaries don’t tend to shift cultural conversations, yet “Call Sign Courage” offers its lead a genuine happy ending.

Moller also recognized something significant in Lt. Col. Matt Lohmeyer. Once an Air Force pilot, Lohmeyer was let go by the Biden administration in 2021 after voicing concerns about the military’s diversity and inclusion culture on “The Steve Gruber Show.” He specifically criticized the influence of critical race theory.

This sparked Moller’s initiative to create “Call Sign Courage: The Story of Matt Lohmeyer,” which gained attention from figures like Elon Musk. Lohmeyer, through social media platforms, discussed the challenges he faced against a daunting system.

Even after losing his position and benefits in the Space Force, Lohmeyer remained relentless. His story forms the heart of “Call Sign Courage.” Moller reflects that the narrative, which encompasses Lohmeyer’s faith and family connections, was ideal for a documentary.

Unexpected Comparisons

Moller’s intrigued by Lohmeyer’s uniqueness. “This guy is special—the character, the depth, the things he did when no one was watching,” he notes. And sure, Lohmeyer may evoke a blend of “Jon Hamm meets John Wayne,” but he preferred to avoid close-ups.

“News cycles move quickly, and he was content to fade into obscurity… He was considering a career in high school education,” Moller indicated.

Through mutual acquaintances, the two connected, and Moller persuaded Lohmeyer to share his experiences through film. “If you give me 12 months, we’ll get this made,” he assured him, and they went ahead with a contract.

Securing Support

Documentary filmmakers often struggle financially, but Lohmeyer’s compelling narrative caught the eye of the Heritage Foundation, leading to crucial funding support. This nonprofit recently made the film available for free on X for a limited time. Directed by Marshall Lee, known for editing works like “What Is a Woman?” and “Am I a Racist?”—both accessible on streaming platforms.

Musk screened the film, aiding in organizing free X-windows, which resulted in about five million views over the weekend, according to Moller.

Moller also produced “Live Without Relying on Lies” for Angel Studios, recognizing how critical the theme calling for a reevaluation of military practices was. Yet, not everyone welcomed the Marxism discussion included in the film.

“I can’t tell you how many conservatives in Washington, D.C. who got wind of it suggested, ‘Let’s tone down the Marxism talk,'” he shared.

“I’ve kept it in… it’s the most impactful segment,” he added. “The more they tell us to steer clear of discussing Marxism, the more we’ll do just that.”

Crafting a New Narrative

Moller represents a new wave of right-leaning storytellers who previously had limited interaction with mainstream audiences. Nowadays, platforms like X and YouTube allow for broader outreach.

Reflecting on his prior experiences within traditional Hollywood, he states, “I’m proud of the 10,000 hours I spent there… you need to earn your stripes.” Now, Moller aspires to embrace what he calls “the wild, wild west” of storytelling beyond the industry’s polished boundaries.

“Hollywood has faltered by overspending and producing what the public didn’t want. We can’t repeat those errors in conservative filmmaking,” he cautions.

He recognizes that mainstream film has lessons to impart, particularly regarding professionalism. “We need to own our narratives, our funding, and our viewership… It’s essential to manage this well, making promises that are realistic and keeping them.”

Looking Ahead

Moller is optimistic about making an impact in popular culture without facing insurmountable obstacles.